Tax Evasion Lawyers in Ann Arbor
Within Michigan "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Ann Arbor, Michigan will take steps to conceal their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.
You may also be acquainted with the term "tax avoidance." It is critical that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Both federal law and the law of Michigan treat tax evasion as a serious criminal offense.
The penalties for tax evasion in Ann Arbor can range anywhere from small penalties to huge penalties, along with prison sentences of several years.
In most cases, especially when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will usually be fairly mild. It will usually result in an order to pay the taxes the defendant owes, plus a small financial penalty. This is especially likely when it cannot be proven that the failure to pay taxes was willful.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan knowingly attempted to conceal income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.
A Ann Arbor, Michigan Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
An Ann Arbor, Michigan attorney who concentrates in tax law can help ensure that you are in conformity with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.
If you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire an Ann Arbor, Michigan attorney with expertise practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.